This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
Earl Louis "Curly" Lambeau will forever be remembered as a Green Bay Packer and one of the earliest football icons. In 1921, the Notre Dame alum threw the Packers’ first touchdown pass and kicked the franchise’s first field goal as well. Fitting, since it was Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun who founded the team in 1919 when the pair where working for the Indian Packing Company – hence the name “Packers.” Serving as player, coach and general manager until 1949, Lambeau took the Packers from a touring semi-pro club to professional status, first with the American Professional Football League and then the National Football League. After a nine-year playing career in which he alternated between the team’s quarterback, halfback and occasional kicker, Curly settled in as head coach. It was in this capacity that he became a legend, leading the Packers to three consecutive NFL Championships from 1929-1931. He’d win three more title before he left Green Bay in 1949. He won 229 games against 134 losses and 22 ties and is one of only two coaches to win six championships. A charter member of the Hall of Fame, Curly was forever immortalized by the team he created by having their storied home, Lambeau Field, named in his honor.
For all his fame and accomplishments, Lambeau’s signature remains one of the most elusive of all the early gridiron Hall of Famers. This one is particularly nice as the football pioneer has signed a sheet of his personal E.L. “CURLY” LAMBEAU stationary in 6-7/10 rated blue pen, “Best of luck always Curly Lambeau. The page shows several creases from mailing or storage and there is some edge wear present along with a small stain to the left of, but not affecting, his signature. Includes full LOA from JSA.